The economics of electoral promises

India needs a debate as to what percentage of general government revenue can be used for subsidies and cash transfers

What political parties offer to persuade voters changes with time. So, if the promise of 24/7 power helped in the past, now it’s free power to all. Free power up to a limit arguably helped Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) win Delhi. Predictably, the party has taken the idea to other states. But now other parties have also started offering the same. Punjab, where it is a formidable challenger, AAP has promised to pay Rs 1,000 per month to all women in the state. The Shiromani Akali Dal, on the other hand, has announced Rs 2,000 per month for women heads